Here’s the thing about peace: generally, I think it’s something we want to get rather than give. Something we want applied to us, not something we want to apply to others. Something we want to feel, not something we want to work for. Or is it just me?
I think of peace as a calmness, being unflappable, being serene. But that’s only a little piece of peace. Peace is so much bigger than that. The peace we are called to, anyway. It’s looking out for the interests of others above our own interests. It’s blessing not just our friends, but our enemies too. (Those totally undeserving miscreants.) It’s giving up of ourselves in order to demonstrate patience, generosity and love to those who deserve it least.
Psalm 34:14 and 1 Peter 3:11 say the same thing: “Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” Hebrews 12:14 says, “Work at living in peace with everyone.” 2 Timothy 2:22 instructs us to “pursue peace.” And Psalm 85:10 ties together love, truth and peace: “Unfailing love and truth meet together; righteousness and peace will kiss.”
I’d never thought of peace this way before … as something I must choose, every day. Something I don’t just pray for, but work for. Maybe – maybe – peace doesn’t just come to me, maybe peace comes from me, if I’m willing.
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I am sad to say that I think I'd choose the same super power. For whatever reason I always feel it is my job to make sure justice is served when others behave badly...I need to work on that:)
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